Six Portland companies head to NY trade show

Six Portland companies head to NY trade show

Prosper Portland, the city of Portland’s economic development agency, is sponsoring six emerging Portland brands to attend the NY NOW Trade Show in New York City August 12-15. All six are new to the NY NOW event and for several, this is their first time exhibiting at a trade show.

The companies are hoping to secure new retail orders, receive market feedback, and gain experience with trade show preparation and participation. The six participants worked together to design a booth space that reflects their collective aesthetic.

The consumer goods sector of the Portland economy includes apparel, footwear, gear, handmade goods and accessories and is a primary driver of entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Portland maker economy has grown in reputation in recent years, drawing interest from Asian markets in particular.

Prosper Portland supports small businesses in this sector through export assistance, peer-to-peer learning, events, and programming.

Showcased at booth #1144 at the show, the collection of Pacific Northwest designers includes:

House Dogge, owned by Angela Medlin, creates non-toxic dog- and people-friendly toys and accessories, raw denim dog beds, and hand thrown dog bowls. Medlin says, “It’s great to be sharing the booth with like-minded designers who are creating beautiful and purposeful product to place into the world. It’s also nice that we are supporting each other on this adventure. That’s how Portland creativepreneurs roll!”

Maple XO, owned by skateboarder Lindsay Holmes, turns recycled skateboards into attractive, useful, and sentimental goods and accessories. Holmes says, “Often times when people see our recycled skateboard products, their first reaction is ‘That’s so Portland.’ Not only is that a compliment, but it’s a testament to the way this city has influenced what we do.”

Seek & Swoon’s collection of knit throw blankets was inspired by places, a love of design, home goods, and a two-month European sabbatical owner Jala Smith-Huys took with her husband and two young sons during the summer of 2015.

Minoux Jewelry, founded by Kristin Robison, presents jewelry crafted in 14k gold, sterling silver and bronze. Robison says, “This is a huge opportunity to share my growing Portland-based brand with buyers from across the country and gain exposure to new markets. You know that moment when you meet someone new and you see the spark of recognition in their eye when they realize you’re from Portland? I can’t wait to share that moment with buyers and show them six more reasons to love Portland, the six great brands in our shared booth!”